The Old and New Way of Looking Ahead!

Waking up in the morning to the Star Spangled Banner playing on the radio at 6:00 a.m. on KEES Radio in Longview, TX was the way I started my day as a youth.  Sometimes I would have to go and turn off the radio as it blared on with no one else stirring or trying to turn it off.  It was time to rise, get ready to start the day.  I was always ready.  Wasting time in staying in bed was not my thing at that time.  There was too much to do, to much to accomplish just waiting on me to begin.

Then I grew a little older and that excitement seemed to wane a little as I began to live a life that was leaving me beaten down and not as excited about the new adventures that were just outside the door.  To me, outside the door was danger.  Not physically, but emotionally and spiritually.  I had started striving to be a "good" Christian and began realizing that it was so difficult because I couldn't conquer the sin in my life.

I had always been able to do anything I set my mind to do.  My dad had taught me that and I believed it, and still do!  He was a wise man.  He may not have understood what his statements concerning this meant to me in my young life.  In fact, I didn't realize what the meaning was until a few years ago.

As I have now had my children and drilled into their heads that they could do anything if they set their minds to it, I hear them talk about their children and the problems that they face in raising them and I still see them the way my father saw and I believe to some extent still sees me, still his child.

I understand that I can't be perfect and that God doesn't want my perfection on a daily basis.  He wants me to love Him on a daily basis and let Him know about it.  The new adventures of the day can only come when I have allowed myself to realize that each day is new and fresh, and being a child of God, I get to start each morning fresh and new.  The excitement of the day is in His hands.  Turn it all over to him.  Don't stop looking for the new in each day.  Also, don't forget to let the bad in the past stay there.  There is something new each and every morning for you to do.  Begin by basking in the sunlight of God's love, guidance and the leading He offers.

I'll see you later!

Work the Program

I am so thankful to be able to continue learning at my age, and I don't think that I am all that old, yet! But it is a breath of fresh air to see God at work in my life leading me to study and learn even more than I ever would have thought possible.

As most of you know my son Anthoney is an addict in recovery.  I am so proud that he is seeing himself in a different light than ever before.  He is smiling and seems happier with himself and who and whose he is.  He is jumping in with both feet, getting involved spiritually and emotionally with God and that to me is wonderful.

One of the things that I have learned from being a part of the recovery process that he is undergoing is leaning about the "Twelve Step Program" that he is using to become more dependent upon himself and God and less on drugs and alcohol.  Their statement of "work the program" means to find the way to sobriety. 

Working the program can also be a good way for us as Christians to look at our spiritual needs and desires. 

God wants us to be active and working in His kingdom.  When we have problems with our lives, we need to "work the program."  We need to admit our sin and look to Him for the forgiveness He offers.

When rehab is completed and the addict or alcoholic leaves, one of the things that they are encouraged to do is to attend 90 meetings in 90 days to help them continue in overcoming their addiction.  Wouldn't that be a great way for us minister to each other and move out of a life of sin and into a life of Godliness?  90 meetings in 90 days.  Seems like a lot of commitment doesn't it?  Is it to much to ask to strive to walk closer to God?

I'll see you later.

The Cruise!

Well, let me start by saying that I never thought I would ever go on a cruise and that at first it did not appeal to me at all.  However, hind sight is 20 20 as they say!

It was great.  Everything about it was wonderful.  We traveled with two other couples from church and had more fun and relaxed more than I believe I have relaxed in years.  To lie in bed with the door to the balcony open so we could sleep to the sound of the ocean was more than I can describe.  Then on our second night out of port to stand on the deck of the Triumph Cruise liner and see nothing but water on any side was awesome.  It was also humbling.

I serve a God that has  allowed me to go half way around the world to Europe and Africa.  I have now been in the Yucatan of Mexico and I am so looking forward to going back.  I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.

Now, let me also say this.  I would never have done this on my own. My beautiful and loving wife made the decision to go on this cruise and set it all up.  She paid for it and planned it and I am so thankful that she did. It was great.  (In fact, when we got in the car to come home she immediately started looking for other cruises for next year. She is hooked.)

Thanks Lisa for a great week and Christmas.

I love you.

I'll see you later!